Sampang returns to normal<\/p>\n
SAMPANG, East Java: Various activities in Sampang, Madura
\nIsland, slowly began to resume on Friday after most activities
\nwere suspended for the past week due to heightened tension in a
\ndispute over the election of the local regent.<\/p>\n
Antara reported on Friday that many employees of government
\noffices had begun to return to work, and schools were commencing
\nactivities although most students went home early.<\/p>\n
Sampang Regent Secretary Erdit Hernandi said the local
\nadministration couldn't function properly as groups supporting
\nregent elect Fadhilah Budiono stormed the local administration's
\noffices demanding that he be installed to his post.<\/p>\n
Since they occupied our offices, the administration here
\ncouldn't work as employees were obviously afraid," Erdit said.<\/p>\n
The dispute which has dragged on since September centers
\naround the election of Fadhilah by the local council as regent by
\na slim margin beating a candidate from the National Awakening
\nParty.<\/p>\n
However Fadhila's opponents dispute the victory as two
\ncouncillors who had resigned from the council continued to cast
\ntheir ballot.<\/p>\n
The dispute almost came to a boil this week as supporters from
\nboth sides threatened to turn the dispute into a physical clash.<\/p>\n
The situation has calmed following the persuasive approach by
\nsecurity forces to convince Fadhila's supporters to vacate the
\noffices they occupied.(mds)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/sampang-returns-to-normal-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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